Ask Sophie: If my passport expires in 5 months, will I be allowed to enter the US?

Here is another version An “Ask Sophie” advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at tech companies.

“Your questions are critical to spreading the knowledge that allows people around the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” said Silicon Valley immigration attorney Sophie Alcorn. Whether you’re in People Ops, a founder, or looking for a job in Silicon Valley, I’d love to answer your questions in the next column.

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Dear Sophie,

A few years ago I founded a startup in Zimbabwe. I plan to visit the United States for the first time next month to check out the market and apply for a visitor visa.

I’m thinking of staying in the US for a couple of months, but I just found out that my passport expires in September. I understand that I must have at least six months on my passport to travel to the United States.

Is that (still) true? Should I delay my trip?

– Hope in Harare

Dear Hopeful,

Thanks for reaching out to me with your questions! It’s great to hear about your plans to visit the United States for the first time. Let’s dive right in.

Generally, yes, visitors to the US are required to have passports that are valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the US.

In the US, however, certain countries are exempt from the six-month requirement, and citizens of those countries only need a valid passport during their stay in the US, while Zimbabwean citizens are exempt from the six-month rule. As long as you leave the US before your passport expires, you’re covered! You don’t need to delay your trip!

Image Credits: TechCrunch

Last month, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is responsible for border security at US airports and other ports of entry, released a list of countries banned under the revised Six-Month Passport Validity Act. About 130 countries are on this list, including Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine. China is not free.

This six-month passport validity exemption applies only to visitors who are on a B-1 business visitor, B-2 tourist visitor visa, or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), US Visa Waiver Program. Unfortunately, Zimbabweans are not eligible for the ESTA program, which allows them to travel to the US for business for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.